Polysaccharide from Walnut Green Husk alleviates ochratoxin a-induced anorexia in chicks via m⁶A-mediated FXR regulation of orexigenic genes.

ABSTRACT: Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a common mycotoxin in poultry feed that impairs feed intake and growth performance, leading to substantial economic losses. Walnut green husk polysaccharides (WGP) have previously been reported to alleviate OTA-induced hepatic and intestinal damage, but their effects on anorexia and underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated whether WGP mitigates OTA-induced anorexia in broilers and explored its molecular basis. One-day-old broilers were fed OTA diets with or without WGP supplementation for three weeks. WGP significantly improved feed intake and body weight, attenuated hypothalamic inflammation, and restored the mRNA expression of orexigenic neuropeptides (AGRP, NPY). 16S rRNA sequencing and serum metabolomics revealed that WGP reshaped gut microbia

SUBMITTER: Zhao K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12819036 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature